New questions have emerged about how the use of thousands of crores of rupees earmarked for road infrastructure in Bengaluru after social activist N. R. Ramesh called for a high-level investigation of road development and pothole repair work done across the city over the past three years.
In an open letter to Karnataka's Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, Ramesh accused large-scale irregularities in road construction projects and questioned the effectiveness of expenditure amounting to ₹8,825.11 crore.
According to the letter, between April 1, 2023, and May 31, 2026, a total amount of ₹8,825.11 crore was released for road-related works in Bengaluru. Of this amount, ₹8,230.52 crore was allocated for road development projects, and ₹594.58 crore was allocated for pothole repair and maintenance works.
Ramesh questioned why Bengaluru residents still face poor road conditions and numerous potholes across the city. If such large-scale public spending had been done well, the roads should have been improved significantly, he said.
Allegations of Corruption
The activist has made serious allegations about corruption in the execution of road projects. According to the claims made in the letter, bribes exceeding 30 per cent are being collected at various stages of project execution, from the tendering process to final bill payments.
Ramesh also said that contractors are often forced to pay commissions ranging from 35 to 40 per cent to certain officials and public representatives to obtain approvals and payments.
Such practices affect the quality of infrastructure projects, he explained. As a result, roads are being constructed using substandard materials and methods and deteriorating within months of completion, he said.
The activist also said that scientific and quality-based engineering standards are not being followed during road construction work, leading to recurring potholes and repeated repair expenses.
Massive Documentation Submitted
Ramesh said to Minister Krishna Byre Gowda that he has submitted several documents with a total of 1,049 pages for the detailed investigation.
The documents contain information related to road development projects, pothole repair works, expenditure details, and various records connected to civic infrastructure projects undertaken in Bengaluru during the given period.
And he urges the government to study the records and hold officials to account if they are found to be corrupt or to have misappropriated public money.
Demand for Transparency
The activist has also called for complete transparency in governance in Bengaluru’s civic administration, including the Greater Bengaluru Authority and the city's municipal corporations.
Ramesh believes that strengthening accountability and transparent administration should be part of that to prevent the misuse of taxpayer money and ensure that public infrastructure is good.
Public Concerns Over Road Conditions
Bengaluru's road infrastructure has long been a concern for residents, with people often complaining of potholes, damaged roads, waterlogging, and maintenance problems.
The activist’s letter reopened the question of whether public funds allocated for infrastructure projects are effectively utilised. Many citizens have voiced similar frustrations with the current road conditions, even after numerous allocations and significant spending on infrastructure.
Ramesh has asked the minister to order an independent and transparent investigation into the expenditure and publicise the findings. Only a thorough investigation will be able to reveal how the money was spent and whether corruption led to the city’s ongoing road problems.
The government has yet to respond to the allegations. But Bengaluru's infrastructure spending will have to be held to a higher standard in the coming days if more accountability and transparency are to be gained from the government.
